Library Books

I stopped at the library to pick up some movies for my mom and as always I ended up with a few goodies for myself. The latest issue of BookPage was out so I also picked up the free copy. I’ve only skimmed through it but there are a couple of titles that are already intriguing; such as, Petropolis, Heart-Shaped Box and The Hunter.

These are the books I checked out:The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany. All manner of flawed and fragile humanity reside in the Yacoubian Building, a once-elegant temple of Art Deco splendor now slowly decaying in the smog and bustle of downtown Cairo. This is also happens to be the March selection for my foreign authors book group.

Famous Writers School by Steven Carter. A novel about three authors who are taking a would-be correspondence course by that grandiose name, and the self-serving “lessons” that Wendell Newton, their endearingly obtuse instructor, doles out in response. This one sounds like it could be a lot of fun.

The Witch of Cologne by Tobsha Learner. A sensuous 17th-century saga set in German Catholic Cologne where studying the ancient Kabbalah could prove deadly for a young Jewish midwife. The steamy, riveting page-turner is also a paean to the triumph of a woman’s spirit. Steamy? Well, it is close to Valentine’s Day.

Some interesting finds but of course who knows how many will go back unread. Now I’m off to read more of New Moon. It’s very enjoyable but the obsession I felt when reading Twilight is not quite there for this book.

About The Author

Aww, I’m sorry to hear that New Moon isn’t quite living up to Twilight. I actually enjoyed it as much as Twilight. I thought the writing was a little better, and while I missed Edward as a constant presence, I thought Jacob Black was positively dreeeamy. lol I like ’em hairy. TMI?

Uh-oh. Did I just read something into Andi’s comment? Perhaps a slight spoiler for New Moon? Not to worry. I actually just finished Twilight and have an inkling as to what might come in the sequel with regards to Jacob Black and his father. Maybe. I’ll let you know if I’m right once I get to the book. Haven’t bought it yet, but I may have to make a run over to B&N this weekend. Not sure how long I can wait to find out what’s in store for Bella and Edward!

Andi – Ha,ha.. You are too funny girl. I think New Moon is good too but I guess I do miss Edward 🙂
Les in ne – You weren’t supposed to read Andi’s comment 🙂 Hope you get New Moon soon.
Danielle – The book just looks like pure entertainment doesn’t it? I hope it is. Well, I hope I even get to it. ha,ha..

My book club read The Witch of Cologne — it’s not as steamy as it promises. Instead, its seamy, if it’s anything, with references to semen-stained quilts and other pretty unnecessary details and scenes that focus on often rough sex. I really felt like Lerner brought a pretty militant and anti-sex-is-good agenda to the book.

That said, though, the last 100 pages read like an entirely different book. An excellent one.

It’s just that we had to get through the first part to get to the good stuff.

I was VERY disappointed, to be honest. (which you may be able to tell, as I rarely say negative things about a book)

Courtney – Let me know if you read it and what you think of it.
Susan – Oh boy. Thanks for the warning! 🙂 I may look through it a bit and see if it catches my attention but then again I do have lots of other books waiting in the wings.

Yeah, I’d be curious to hear what others think of the book — my book club liked the ideas for the stories — essentially there are two: the Inquisition and a love story — but we felt that because they were one book, they weren’t fully developed. Plus the sex stuff.

I mean, I like sex scenes. But this … I don’t know how to describe it. Hard-edged, maybe? We’ll have to see what Courtney thinks. Maybe she can be more articulate.

Quote of the Month

“So often, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me, and reminded me that there are good things in the world.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh